The secret to having it all is knowing that you already do

Photograph with some of the  students at the Sông Cau Primary School, chosen by Charli Medlow as a special image from the trip to Vietnam.

Charli writes:

Taking things for granted

Visiting the Sông Cau Primary School and giving the school students their packages of stationery was a very eye-opening experience for me. I found that watching the faces of the children made me realise just how much we take for granted in Australia. These kids were just so grateful; and they were so happy for the simplest things. Seeing this made me realise how much we take having new school books, pencils, art supplies and sports equipment for granted in Australia. For these kids it was like opening the Christmas present you always wanted. They were so excited to open their packages. I am sure if you gave this to a young person in Australia they would not be as excited because it is simply expected.

While helping the students open their package I was impressed with just how much more of an effort they put in connecting with us because everyone you talked to tried to talk English as much as they could.  Whereas, we as Australians really don’t put as much effort into talking another peoples language, even while visiting their county. Even the little kids attempted to communicate with us.  When they couldn’t, you simply knew how they felt because you could see on their faces how happy and grateful they were. They all had smiles so big as they pulled things out of the box.

I chose this photo as a symbol of just how much they appreciated the little things in life.  It wasn’t just the students; everyone was so appreciative for anything we gave them. I just loved how no matter what they were doing they always had the biggest smile on their face. When we gave them their packs, it made me feel so happy and privileged to be getting to do this for them, and to feel that I had made a difference to their day.

The people of Vietnam made it clearer to me about what is really important in life and that happiness isn’t all about getting what you want all the time. Happiness is really about loving what you have and being grateful for it. 

In fact, the secret to having it all is knowing that you already do.